Hive, the borough’s Business Leaders Network, has been commended for the role it plays in improving the town’s prosperity as part of the 2014 Enterprising Britain Awards.

A presentation was held on September 9, 2014 in the House of Commons and was attended by Khalid Saifullah, Chair of the Hive Network and Director of Star Tissue UK, along with Councillor Kate Hollern, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Prizes were awarded by Ed Vaizey MP, Minister of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, with responsibility for digital industries.

The awards are run by the Government as a way of celebrating good practice which supports small to medium sized businesses.

Projects had to demonstrate how they met strict criteria including simplifying administrative procedures and helping access to new markets. Since launching in September 2012, Hive has quickly become a leading example of getting things done through partnership working.

It is supported by well-known brands and some of the borough’s most influential business people. Activity identified by Hive as part of its submission into the awards included an overview of recent events aimed at getting more of the borough’s firms to consider exporting.

In 2013, Hive hosted the government’s Trade & Investment Minister, providing an opportunity to learn about the support to start/increase exporting activities. In April 2014, a second event was held with Hive’s support and was aimed at encouraging SMEs from across the region to consider the growing market of Southern Asia as part of UKTI’s export week.

Councillor Hollern said:

“The HIVE is an important network which brings together businesses from across the borough to work together for the good of the borough including improving the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for our young people.”

Khalid added:

“Any business that wants to transform the town, improve the prospects of local people and a desire to grow and succeed must get involved in this network. Together as HIVE we can inspire prosperity into Blackburn and Darwen”.